Galactose
Description
Galactose (CAS 59-23-4) is a monosaccharide sugar naturally occurring in dairy products and certain plant-based sources. In commercial supply, it is available as a purified carbohydrate used across food and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
This versatile ingredient serves as a functional component and biochemical building block in cosmetic manufacturing. In pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production, it serves as a reference standard, excipient, and substrate.
It is frequently utilized in diagnostic formulations and metabolic research applications. Food manufacturers incorporate it into specialized nutritional products, including infant formulas and medical nutrition, where precise carbohydrate profiling is required.
Cosmetic formulators use this sugar as a humectant in skin care preparations. Its moisture-binding capacity supports hydration in creams and serums, while it also functions as a fermentation substrate in biotechnology processes.
These processes target the production of bioactive compounds and specialty ingredients. The material is supplied as a white crystalline powder in both laboratory and bulk commercial quantities to meet diverse industrial needs.
Established grades include USP, Ph. Eur., and food-grade specifications to meet regulatory requirements across pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic end markets. This ensures compliance with global safety standards.
Technical-grade material is also available for industrial and research applications where compendial certification is not required. This provides a cost-effective solution for large-scale manufacturing and testing environments.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 170 °C |
| Boiling Point | 232.96°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.616 g/cm³ @ Temp: -5 °C |
| Appearance | White powder |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water. |
| Refractive Index | 80 ° (C=10, H2O) |
| pH | 4.5-6.0 (H2O)Aqueous solution |
| Log P | -2.490 (est) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29400090 |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
D-Galactopyranose|(3R,4S,5R,6R)-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-2,3,4,5-tetrol|Galactose, pure|D-Gal|brain sugar|d-galactopyranoside|cerebrose|D-Galactose
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